Bluetooth technology has long and firmly entered our lives. With its help, you can transfer files from one device to another without using cables and wires. However, not everyone knows how to enable Bluetooth on different devices and how to use it. Detailed instructions will be provided below.
Content
- 1Using Bluetooth: How to enable, configure and transfer files
- 2What is Bluetooth and what is it for
- 1Advantages and disadvantages of Bluetooth
- 3How to turn on Bluetooth on different equipment?
- 1On laptops and netbooks with Windows 7 and 8
- 2On laptops and netbooks with Windows 10
- 3On smartphones
- 4On monoblocks
- 4How to use Bluetooth?
- 1On computers
- 1.1Video: Configuring Bluetooth on a Windows 7 Laptop
- 2On smartphones
- 1On computers
- 5Troubleshooting
- 1Problem with device driver
- 2Problem with headset connection
- 3Problem with keyboard connection
- 4Basic tips
Using Bluetooth: How to enable, configure, and transfer files
Currently, there are many ways to exchange data between devices. Memory cards, cables, file sharing – all these tools allow us to transfer files from one gadget to another with varying degrees of efficiency. But Bluetooth technology has been and remains the simplest and easiest way to exchange information.
What is Bluetooth and what is it for
Bluetooth is a wireless radio communication designed to transmit data between various devices over a short distance. In addition, this technology is used to create a personal network. With its help, you can remotely control all personal devices on which a special Bluetooth chip is installed.
The Bluetooth standard is implemented in most modern mobile phones, smartphones and headsets for them, as well as in communicators, PDAs, tablets, netbooks and laptops. There are also wireless mice, car audio devices, keyboards, game consoles, printers, MFPs, TV remotes and other gadgets equipped with these chips.
The Bluetooth standard is rarely installed on desktop computers, but special adapters with a USB connector are provided to connect it to a personal network. You can buy them at any computer store. Cheap adapters generally only support version 2.1, so it is better to buy devices that support version 4.0 and higher.
There are currently three varieties of Bluetooth chips:
- type No. 1 – long-range. They work at a distance of up to 100 meters (in open spaces without radio interference). Power consumption 100 mW;
- type No. 2 – medium range. It is this standard that is implemented on most modern gadgets. It works at a distance of up to 10 meters. Power consumption 2.5 mW;
- type No. 3 – short-range. It works at a distance of no more than 1 meter. Power consumption is 1 mW.
Low power consumption not only narrows the range of the device, but also significantly reduces the data transfer rate. However, most modern devices equipped with Bluetooth chips provide a transmission speed of 1 Mbps.
Advantages and disadvantages of Bluetooth
Like any other technology, the Bluetooth data transmission system has its pros and cons. The advantages include:
- no problems with device compatibility;
- the ability to transfer without line of sight between gadgets, for example, from an adjacent room;
- completely wireless technology does not require connecting cables;
- the ability to use on low-power equipment;
- simple system for connecting and transmitting information;
- almost complete absence of the likelihood of an unauthorized connection.
However, in any barrel of honey there is always room for a fly in the ointment. The disadvantages of technology include:
- low speed of information transfer, for example, when using Wi-Fi, the speed can reach 100 Mbit per second;
- high level of power consumption, due to which the devices are quickly discharged;
- regular use of Bluetooth can reduce the life of the gadget.
How to turn on Bluetooth on different equipment?
Most devices equipped with Bluetooth chips require the radio to be turned on first. This is done to protect pre-installed information so that attackers cannot transfer malicious files to the gadget. Let’s take a look at how to enable Bluetooth on various devices.
On laptops and netbooks with Windows 7 and 8
First of all, you need to make sure that the gadget supports Bluetooth technology. To do this, you can check the device documents. In addition, many manufacturers place information on the availability of Bluetooth on special stickers on the front or back of a laptop or netbook.
Such a sticker can inform about the presence of Bluetooth on a laptop or netbook.
To turn on Bluetooth on a laptop or netbook, you need to find the button with the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth icon. The first option is more common, the second more rare. Basically, the icon is located under one of the F1 to F12 buttons or on the Print Screen button.
The most likely location for the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth power buttons
Depending on the manufacturer of the device, Bluetooth can be turned on by pressing this button or by the FN + key combination from F1 to Print Screen (the one where the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth icon is located).
Sometimes, to turn on Bluetooth, press the FN key and the key with the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi icon at the same time
Some laptops and netbooks are equipped with a separate button for turning on Bluetooth. It can be located on the back, front or side panels next to the power, USB, SD, etc. connectors. These buttons are found on notebooks and netbooks from Acer, Asus, Toshiba, HP and other manufacturers.
Another option for the location of the Bluetooth power key
On laptops and netbooks with Windows 10
To enable Bluetooth on devices running on Windows 10, you need to go to the Start menu and open the Settings tab. In the window that opens, click the “Devices” button, select the “Bluetooth” section and move the “on” slider. Bluetooth “.
This is how you can turn on Bluetooth if you have Windows 10 on your computer.
On smartphones
- To enable Bluetooth on smartphones running on the Android platform, you need to click the “Settings” button.First, go to “Settings”
- Then enter “Networks” / “Network” (in some versions “Wireless networks”).
In the menu, select the item “Network”
- Then go to “Bluetooth Settings”.
Next, go to “Bluetooth Settings”
- Check the box next to “Turn on Bluetooth”.
Check the box or move the slider to turn on Bluetooth
On monoblocks
To enable Bluetooth on all-in-ones, you need to check if the device drivers are installed. If the drivers are working correctly, then in the lower right corner of the candy bar there is a Bluetooth icon, by clicking on which you can turn it on.
How do I use Bluetooth?
Let’s consider how to use Bluetooth correctly and safely on computers, laptops, netbooks, monoblocks and what are the differences between using this radio communication with mobile devices.
On computers
If the drivers are installed correctly and the device is turned on, a Bluetooth icon will appear in the lower right corner of the screen of a computer, laptop, netbook or candy bar. By clicking on it with the right mouse button, in the drop-down menu you need to select the “Settings” (or “Parameters”) tab.
In the window that opens, you need to check the boxes opposite:
- “Allow devices to detect PC”;
- “Allow devices to connect to this PC”;
- “Notify when connecting Bluetooth devices”;
- Display Bluetooth Icon on PC.
It remains to click on the “Apply” and / or “OK” button. After that, the computer will find all devices equipped with a Bluetooth chip within the signal range.
This is how the Bluetooth settings window looks like
The device search process may take several minutes.
After finding the desired device, you need to click on it and wait for it to sync with the PC. In some cases, you will need to enter a security code. It will appear on the device connected to the PC. Then enter it into the appropriate window on the computer.
Video: Configuring Bluetooth on a Windows 7 Laptop
When the devices are synchronized, a window will open with which you can start transferring files. In it, you need to select the “View files on (device name)” tab, select the files of interest and click the “Start transfer” button.
After synchronization, you can select a file on the connected device and click on it, select the “Start transfer” tab. This is important when there is a large amount of information, so as not to search for the desired file for a long time.
After completing your work, it is important to remember to turn off Bluetooth. To do this, click on the Bluetooth icon in the lower right corner of the screen and select the “Disable Bluetooth” menu item.
On smartphones
When you turn on Bluetooth on smartphones or other mobile devices, you can use the following settings:
- Set visibility time. This option is needed to protect information. It allows you to set the time for which a smartphone can be synchronized with a PC or other gadget.
- Change device name. This option is useful when connecting several gadgets at the same time to simplify the search for information.
If you are using multiple devices it is better to rename the devices
- To transfer a specific file from a smartphone, you need to perform a long press. In the window that opens, select the “Send by” button.
The first step to send information via Bluetooth
- Select “Bluetooth” in the next tab.
To send a file via Bluetooth, select the corresponding icon
- After completing the work, you need to turn off the radio communication. Go to “Settings”, then to “Networks” and “Bluetooth Settings” and uncheck the enable signal.
Solution of problems
In some cases, Bluetooth does not work correctly. Let’s look at the main causes of the problems and how to fix them.
Device driver problem
It is this problem that prevents you from turning on Bluetooth. The procedure for correcting this problem is as follows:
- Click on the “My Computer” icon with the right mouse button.
- Select Properties.
- Go to “Device Manager”.
- Go to the “Network adapters” tab and find Bluetooth in the list. If there is no driver or it does not work correctly, then there will be an exclamation mark next to the device name. In this case, you need to go to the manufacturer’s website, download and install the driver.
This method of installing Bluetooth drivers is about the same for all laptops, netbooks, all-in-ones and computers.
Headset connection problem
To solve common problems associated with connecting a headset via Bluetooth, there is a special Bluetooth Fix & Repair program. You can download it in the Play Market.
The Bluetooth Auto Connect program, which can also be found in the Play Market, can be no less useful. It allows you to eliminate problems when connecting a headset, headphones, mice and other devices.
Problem connecting keyboard
The Bluetooth Keyboard Bug Fix program will help you troubleshoot problems with connecting the keyboard to mobile devices, such as tablets. It can be downloaded from the Play Market.
Basic Tips
- If one device does not see the other, then, first of all, you should try to restart both gadgets.
- The visibility problem may lie in the range, so you can try to get closer.
- Another common problem is interference from other radio waves. It is especially common when stationary radios are turned on, which simply interrupt the signals of the devices.
Bluetooth is a convenient and popular technology that allows you to easily transfer files at a distance, as well as connect various wireless devices: headphones, mice, keyboards, etc. It is indispensable for car headsets, as it allows the driver to communicate freely on the phone while driving … However, do not forget about the shortcomings, because it quickly consumes the device’s charge. Therefore, after use, you should always turn it off so that the gadget works longer.
